ABU DHABI, 8th April, 2014 (WAM) -- HAAD has announced the diagnosis of a MERS-Coronavirus case in Abu Dhabi. A 59-year-old male resident, known to have diabetes and final stage renal failure, currently on dialysis, complained of respiratory symptoms and was admitted and diagnosed with the illness.
HAAD has confirmed that it is coordinating with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and other authorities in the country, and has taken all necessary measures as per international standards and recommendations from the World Health Organisation (WHO). The MoH stated that the WHO first issued an international alert regarding the disease in September 2012. Up to April 1st, 2014, the WHO stated that there were 207 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV worldwide, including 87 deaths. Putting this in perspective, and if compared to seasonal influenza worldwide, it is estimated that seasonal influenza results in about 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness, and about 250,000 to 500,000 deaths, according to the WHO. The MoH added that the WHO confirmed the virus is not a concern for public health at the moment, and that the current situation does not require a travel ban to any country in the world, screenings at different ports, or any restrictions on trade. The MoH reassured everyone that globally, detected cases continue to be very low compared to other types of flu-like illness. The MoH confirmed that it is monitoring the situation closely to ensure the health and safety of everyone.Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2014.
